Halibut is often called the "gem of the sea" in Alaska because its meat is particularly light and flavorful. Catching an Alaskan halibut is just the beginning of the adventure. For halibut meat has character all its own, and can teach the attentive chef many wonderful things.

At its best, Alaskan halibut is unassuming enough to perform in a tastefully simple meal, yet has the character to stand up to a bold sauce or a pushy saute. Even at its most mundane, halibut meat can teach a casserole a thing or two.

Alaskan Halibut Recipes celebrates this creature that haunts Alaska's sea-bottoms and blesses its tables. Included here are more than 200 recipes for hors d'oeuvres, soups, stews, roasts, fillets and some whimsical dishes for the culinary adventurer. Many of these recipes can be used for other kinds of white fish. But don't deprive yourself of the particular gifts only the Alaskan halibut can bring to your table.